The Role Of Men In Ending Female Genital Mutilation/cutting In Maparasha Location, Kajiado County
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Date
2019Author
Mwangi, Joycelyn W
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The main purpose of this study was to examine the role of men in ending Female Genital
Mutilation/Cutting. FGM is a deep rooted culture in some Kenyan communities and as such,
has been viewed a retrogressive practice which violates the rights of young girls and women;
it is also a threat to their health. The major objective of the study was to determine the role of
men in the effort towards ending Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting. In order to achieve the
objective, Maparasha Location in Kajiado County was selected as the area of study because
of the high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation cases by the community that resides in
the area. The area is predominantly occupied by the Maasai community. The study selected
115 respondents. The sample was derived from a list of eligible households, obtained from
the local administration registration book. Data collection was conducted primarily through
an interview schedule, which contained questions that were both open ended and closed
ended. The study explored the views, experiences and beliefs of the respondents and thus the
data collected was grouped and organized according to the research questions, for easier
analysis. Discourse analysis was used in deriving meaning and interpretation of the
interview statements, by giving meaning to each text and its functionality in the research.
Indeed, respondents indicated an attitude towards FGM, and such information only
reinforced the fact that men did not support FGM and they wanted FGM stopped, despite
them practicing FGM. The respondents cited reasons for the difference between their attitude
and the practice of FGM, relating it to perceived immense consequences and sanctions that
they face if their daughters do not undergo FGM. Older men were found to be in support of
the practice of FGM because they needed to protect their culture. Some of the reasons they
cited for practicing FGM were; to control the sexuality of young girls as a sign of chastity. It
was also established that men were not consulted on the decision for their daughters to
undergo the cut, neither are such decisions discussed at the community level. Stigmatization
of men being involved in FGM matters is predominant in FGM prevalent areas because FGM
remains a woman’s issue only. FGM, has overtime, evolved in its significance, and therefore
the reasons for its practice have become complex. Moreover, the diversity underlying ethnic
and cultural traditions and beliefs only serve to underpin the practice of FGM. The study
recommendation was that community should be engaged and empowerment through
education ; as part of encouraging the participation in FGM abandonment.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Subject
Female Genital MutilationRights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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